From left, Mike Haer, Eric Parrish and Eric Sullivan work Saturday morning to bore post holes for a gate for the Watkins family.

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Holly Watkins should not have to worry as much when her 9-year-old son, Kyle, goes out to play in the backyard.

The yard is adjacent to railroad tracks, a cornfield and a wooded area in the 1600 block of East Main Street. Kyle is autistic and his mother was aware of the hazards posed by the surroundings. Watkins said her son has gotten lost before; she had to call the police to help find him.

But on Saturday, a group of volunteers spent much of the day building a 6-foot fence that will allow Kyle to play in the yard. Everything but the gates were put up, and Watkins said that will be done today. ...